Antony was not included in Manchester United’s squad to face West Ham (Pictures: Getty)

Erik ten Hag has explained why Antony missed Manchester United’s Premier League clash with West Ham.

Ten Hag made four changes to the side that beat Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League in midweek.

Harry Maguire made his first Premier League start since August 13 while Cristiano Ronaldo featured in the Manchester United starting XI.

Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Anthony Elanga also came in for United, who are looking to make up more ground on the top-four against David Moyes’ West Ham.

Antony received criticism for his showboating during United’s win over Sheriff but Ten Hag confirmed his absence at Old Trafford on Sunday was due to injury.

Asked if Antony’s absence was in some way linked to the backlash the Brazilian received, Ten Hag said: ‘No, nothing [to do with that].

Erik ten Hag’s side face West Ham at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)

‘He is injured. I hope it’s not too bad, I think it’s not too bad. In a couple of days he will be back.’

Ten Hag also confirmed Victor Lindelof was not part of Manchester United’s matchday squad due to illness, with Maguire handed a rare chance to impress having lost his place in the side earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, West Ham boss David Moyes made one change to the side that beat Bournemouth in their previous Premier League fixture, with Craig Dawson coming in for Ben Johnson.

Manchester United have largely impressed since Ten Hag’s arrival from Ajax over the summer and Chris Sutton expects the Red Devils to continue their encouraging run against the Hammers.

United can move to within one point of the top-four places (Picture: Getty)

The former Premier League striker told BBC Sport: ‘Losing defender Raphael Varane to injury is a blow for Manchester United but I think they will cope without him here, even though Gianluca Scamacca is a real threat.

‘At the other end, it might be a different story. West Ham are a stubborn side, who are in decent form, but I don’t think their backline will be good enough to keep United out.

‘United are making progress under Erik ten Hag but he still has to deal with the distraction of being asked questions about Cristiano Ronaldo the whole time, which must be a nightmare for him.

‘Great player that he is, Ronaldo has made it all about himself when really he is just one of the squad. It is quite sad, because he is starting to destroy his legacy at Old Trafford, and he might not be there for much longer. I think United will nick it 2-1.’

MORE : Sporting prepare January bid for Man Utd striker Cristiano Ronaldo

MORE : Manchester United defender Raphael Varane gives injury update

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Brazilian has had an eventful week…